Car Accidents in Bonner

Given its short distance to Missoula, it’s not uncommon for individuals to flock to Bonner looking to take part in winter sports when it’s bitterly cold outside and to enjoy hiking, fishing, off roading, and otherwise just being in nature during the summer.

These comings and goings pose a danger to the just over 1,400 inhabitants who call our little piece of Montana paradise home and those traveling into the area to work or simply to enjoy some recreational time, particularly in terms of increasing our risk of car accidents in Bonner.

The automobile collisions that occur here take in many shapes and forms, which we’ll highlight below, along with the factors that result in their occurrence. If you’ve had the misfortune of becoming involved in one of these crashes, reach out to our law firm to discuss your case.

Consultations are completely free and provide you with an opportunity to explore whether you have a valid claim with an attorney in our area and, if so, learn more about the steps you need to take to ensure you have a successful claim.

Types of Wrecks That Commonly Occur in Missoula County

As referenced above, there are many different types of car crashes, all of which, under certain circumstances, can cause serious injuries and death. Automobile accidents most commonly seen in Montana and details regarding how they occur include:

• T-bone accidents: These are often referred to as intersection wrecks because they generally only happen in locations like these, and especially when drivers run stop signs or red lights. Since these collisions often involve motorists traveling at a fast rate of speed, these crashes are generally quite impactful. It’s not uncommon for vehicles’ air bags to deploy; however, that’s frequently not enough to protect occupants inside from harm. Compression injuries, burns (from the air bags), blunt force trauma, etc., often result from these accidents.
• Sideswipe collision: Wrecks like these often involve a motorist deviating from their lane and grazing a vehicle in the lane adjacent to them. Crashes like these often occur because one or more of the motorists involved are distracted. While accidents like these often cause minor damage, they can be particularly catastrophic and result in injuries depending on the speed at which it occurs or the force and angle of the impact.
• Rear-end crashes: These are also sometimes referred to as tailgating accidents and may occur because a motorist is engaging in road rage. However, these collisions may occur in heavy traffic, such as when drivers are following each other too closely in a road construction area. Additionally, these crashes may occur at intersections, when one motorist assumes another is going to make a turn but instead stops for a traffic light or stop sign.
• Head-on collisions: Also called front-end crashes, these crashes often occur on rural roads or highways with no raised median. These accidents often happen because motorists are distracted, intoxicated, drowsy, or visibility is poor due to inclement weather. However, these wrecks may also occur because a vehicle is in a state of disrepair, a driver suffers a medical event, or the driver is too fast for conditions and loses control of the vehicle.
• Underride accidents: Crashes like these involve passenger cars and 18-wheelers, and more specifically, ones without side guards to protect a vehicle from sliding under a trailer in between its rear two axles. Crashes like these can occur when a passenger car operator travels in the trucker’s blind spot and the truck merges over simultaneously, resulting in the automobile sliding under the trailer. These crashes may also occur at intersections if either the trucker or driver, traveling in opposing directions, fails to stop as they should have. When they make contact, the vehicle may slide under and be dragged for some distance.
• Rollovers: These collisions are perhaps most common among motorists driving SUVs and pickup trucks, which tend to have a low center of gravity. Crashes like these may occur in the aftermath of an angled crash, where a driver taps the rear bumper of another motorist’s vehicle, especially if it’s forceful enough that it causes them to lose control of their car. Additionally, speed, a driver’s failure to maintain their lane, and wet, icy, or snowy roads make these crashes more apt to occur.

If you have been involved in one of these car accidents in Bonner or some other type and it has caused you to suffer injuries, Montana law may allow you to recover compensation for your losses. Reach out to our law firm, Western Justice Associates, PLLC to discuss legal remedies available to you.

Factors That Impact Compensation After Car Crashes in Bonner, MT

While Montana is an at-fault state that generally allows victims to sue those responsible for injuring them in a crash, if you’re more than 50% liable for its occurrence, you may be unable to file a claim.

And you should know an insurer adjuster is going to try their hardest to devalue your claim even if they know that their insured is responsible for what happened. The quality of the evidence you compile in your case can make a big difference as to whether you are able to recover the maximum compensation you need and deserve or only a fraction of what your case may actually be worth.

These are just a few of many factors that may affect claimants’ abilities to recover just and fair compensation after car accidents in Bonner. That’s why it’s best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after a wreck to ensure you preserve your right to compensation.

Contact us to discuss your legal case with a lawyer. That consultation is complimentary.